Combination skin is a common skin type that has both oily and dry areas. The oily areas are usually on the forehead, nose, and chin, while the dry areas are on the cheeks, jawline, and around the eyes. Finding a moisturizer that can balance these different needs can be challenging, but not impossible. In this article, we will review the 8 best moisturizer for combination skin, with their pros and cons, and help you choose the one that suits you best.
Things to Look for in a Moisturizer for Combination Skin?
Before we dive into the product reviews, let’s talk about what to look for in a moisturizer for combination skin.
– Hydration: A good moisturizer should provide enough hydration to the dry areas without making the oily areas greasier. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera can help retain moisture and plump up your skin.
– Oil control: A good moisturizer should also help control excess oil production and mattify your shine-prone zones. Look for oil-free, gel, or lotion textures that absorb quickly and leave a smooth finish. Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and green tea can help regulate sebum and reduce inflammation.
– Antioxidants: A good moisturizer should also protect your skin from environmental damage and premature aging. Look for antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and resveratrol that can neutralize free radicals and boost collagen synthesis.
– SPF: A good moisturizer should also have SPF to shield your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 that is suitable for your skin tone and sensitivity.
The 8 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin
Now that you know what to look for in a moisturizer for combination skin, let’s take a look at the 8 best products on the market, with their pros and cons.
1. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
This moisturizer is a cult favorite among dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts alike. It has a lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates and protects your skin without leaving a greasy residue. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide that help restore your skin barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce redness. It also has SPF 30 which offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Pros:
- – Affordable and widely available
- – Suitable for sensitive skin
- – Fragrance-free and non-irritating
- – Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
Cons:
- – Leave a white cast on darker skin tone
- – May pill under makeup or other products
- – May not be moisturizing enough for very dry areas
2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This moisturizer is a refreshing gel that quenches your thirsty skin with a burst of hydration. It has a water-based formula that feels cool and soothing on your skin. It contains hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds up to 1000 times its weight in water, plumping up your skin and smoothing out fine lines. It also has glycerin that helps prevent moisture loss and keeps your skin soft and supple.
Pros:
- – Affordable and widely available
- – Suitable for all skin types
- – Fragrance-free and dye-free
- – Non-comedogenic and oil-free
Cons:
- – Does not have SPF
- – May contain alcohol that can dry out or irritate some skin types
- – May not be hydrating enough for very dry areas
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer
This moisturizer is a mattifying lotion that targets oily and acne-prone areas of your combination skin. It has an oil-free formula that absorbs excess sebum and reduces the appearance of pores. It contains salicylic acid that exfoliates and unclogs your pores, preventing blackheads and breakouts. It also contains zinc picolinate that regulates oil production and keeps your shine under control.
Pros:
- – Dermatologist-tested and recommended
- – Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- – Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- – Non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic
Cons:
- – Expensive and not easily available
- – Does not have SPF
- – May be too drying or irritating for some skin types
4. Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 40
This moisturizer is a whipped cream that delivers powerful anti-aging benefits to your combination skin. It has a light-as-air formula that transforms from cream to liquid on contact with your skin, leaving a velvety-smooth finish. It contains vitamin B3 which brightens and evens out your skin tone, peptides that stimulate collagen and elastin production, and vitamin E which nourishes and protects your skin. It also has SPF 40 that offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Pros:
- – Affordable and widely available
- – Suitable for mature and aging skin
- – Fragrance-free and color-free
- – Non-comedogenic and oil-free
Cons:
- – Leave a white cast
- – May pill under makeup or other products
- – May not be moisturizing enough for very dry areas
5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
This moisturizer is a classic gel that balances and refreshes your combination skin. It has an oil-free formula that hydrates and strengthens your skin without adding any shine. It contains glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and cucumber extract that help retain moisture and soothe your skin. It also contains dimethicone that creates a smooth barrier over your skin, preventing moisture loss and environmental damage.
Pros:
- – Dermatologist-developed and tested
- – Suitable for all skin types
- – Fragrance-free and allergy-tested
- – Non-comedogenic and oil-free
Cons:
- – Expensive and not easily available
- – Does not have SPF
- – May contain alcohol that can dry out or irritate some skin types
6. Paula’s Choice RESIST SuperLight Daily Wrinkle Defense
This moisturizer is a tinted lotion that fights signs of aging and protects your combination skin from sun damage. It has a lightweight, oil-free formula that blends seamlessly into your skin, leaving a natural-looking matte finish. It contains resveratrol which acts as a powerful antioxidant, niacinamide which improves your skin texture and tone, and licorice extract which reduces hyperpigmentation and inflammation. It also has SPF 30 which offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Pros:
- – Cruelty-free and vegan
- – Suitable for all skin types
- – Fragrance-free and dye-free
- – Non-comedogenic and oil-free
Cons:
- – Expensive and not easily available
- – May not match all skin tones
- – May not be moisturizing enough for very dry areas
7. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
This moisturizer is a simple lotion that hydrates and nourishes your combination skin without any fuss. It has a lightweight, oil-free formula that sinks into your skin quickly, leaving no sticky or greasy residue. It contains hyaluronic acid that boosts your skin’s moisture level, glycerin that prevents moisture loss, and vitamin E that protects your skin from oxidative stress. It also has a non-greasy texture that makes it ideal for layering under makeup or other products.
Pros:
- – Affordable and widely available
- – Suitable for sensitive skin
- – Fragrance-free and non-irritating
- – Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
Cons:
- – Does not have SPF
- – May contain alcohol that can dry out or irritate some skin types
- – May not be hydrating enough for very dry areas
8. Boscia Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer
This moisturizer is a green tea-infused gel that calms and balances your combination skin. It has an oil-free formula that delivers hydration and antioxidants to your skin without clogging your pores or causing breakouts. It contains green tea extract that reduces inflammation and redness, burdock root extract that detoxifies and purifies your skin, and marine complex that replenishes your skin’s natural moisture barrier. It also has a cooling sensation that refreshes your skin.
Pros:
- – Cruelty-free and vegan
- – Suitable for all skin types
- – Fragrance-free and preservative-free
- – Non-comedogenic and oil-free
Cons:
- – Expensive and not easily available
- – Does not have SPF
- – May contain alcohol that can dry out or irritate some skin types
Conclusion
Finding the best moisturizer for combination skin can be tricky, but not impossible. You just need to look for products that can hydrate your dry areas, control your oily areas, protect your skin from damage, and suit your personal preferences. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best moisturizer for combination skin. Remember to always patch test any new product before using it on your face, and consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns or questions about your skin type or condition.
Thank you for reading this article on the 8 best moisturizers for combination skin. If you found it helpful, please read another article on sunscreen for combination skin.
